Saving the Magic (with Cam and Luke plus Morgan) COMPLETED About This Page:

[Cam22]

Next: A Near Miss

Sunday, June 3 Part 2
After de-boarding the plane, we successfully made our way to DME on Side B Level 1.

Shuttle Ride from the Southwest terminal to the main terminal at MCO.



I was happy to be at WDW.


And so was Morgan.


DME Sign at MCO


We had a short wait in our first Disney line, and then scored front row seats on the bus.



There was another little wait once we were on the bus to add more passengers. Our driver Wally Richardson was very entertaining. As we traveled, Morgan was enthralled by the video just like Stefanie always was.
Morgan on the DME bus.


Luke on the DME bus.


Cam on the DME bus (a self-portrait).


First stop was Port Orleans Riverside. Next we arrived in the Epcot area with a stop at Yacht Club. As Wally was turning the bus to pull up to the DME stop at Beach Club, a lady (who Wally said must have left her brain at home while she went on vacation) drove at a fast speed between the bus and the pillar. Wally was alert and stopped that big ‘ole bus on a dime, shaking his head the whole time. Folks on the side of bus where she zoomed by and those of us in the front were gasping out loud as we could have easily hit her. Wally cautioned all of us to carry our brains with us throughout our vacations. We eventually let off the Beach Club passengers and then we were off to our resort, Boardwalk Inn and Villas.







We were met at the door by a cast member who quickly checked us into a ready room in less than five minutes. Good thing, too, as Morgan had needed a restroom since Port Orleans Riverside. We would be spending the next 12 nights in Room #4041.



Morgan’s reaction to the room was amazement at the size and the view. She ran all over checking everything out including the washer and dryer. I, of course, followed behind here, taking lots of pictures.



Morgan on our living room balcony.


Table lamp


Kitchen and Living Room area






Morgan spread at all the stuff from the SWA bag she’d been given.


Luke checking out the view.


Master Bedroom










Trying out the lint roller


Bathroom






Laundry Room


View from our Balcony




















A very nice view of the Boardwalk, which would prove entertaining over the next 12 nights. Morgan and I rearranged and removed extras from our backpacks, and then it was finally park time. Or was it?

Next: Waiting and More Waiting

[Dlandmom2]

Originally Posted by Cam22

I wish it were that easy to get to Hawaii, too. Luke isn't sold on that long flight, but I'm working on him by suggesting that we fly to LA and stay at the Grand Californian for a few days and visit Disneyland. Then we could fly from there to Hawaii.

I hope so! I would love to say hi when you're over here in my neck of the woods! It definitely is a lot of flying, and your idea to break it up with a short stay at the Grand Californian sounds wonderful!

[omd]

Awesome pictures! My friend and I stayed at Boardwalk last year and really enjoyed it. Your view is much better than the one we had. Morgan looks so excited. I can't wait to hear more about how she enjoyed her first trip. I hope that the wait for the park was not to long.

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by Tigger71

I can't wait to hear more about your adventures with Morgan!

Also wanted to say Thanks for sharing your life so openly with such grace. You are so strong!

Thanks for the compliment! I find that writing is very therapeutic!

Originally Posted by MosyBliss

I am super happy you started your Trip report. Morgan is a doll. Hugs to you all!

I'll take all the hugs I can get!

Originally Posted by angiek1024

Great start! Happy that the flight went well for Morgan! She is so cute! Honestly, I felt a little emotional and teary myself reading your first installment of the trip. I will definitely miss the pictures of Stefanie and her smiling face during this report but that just shows what a wonderful impact she made on so many of us. So glad that Morgan is getting to share this trip with you!

I knew I had a very special kid, but even I'm amazed at the impact she has had.

Originally Posted by Cheeser

Glad to see you've started the TR, Cam. I've been waiting to see how this trip would go. Looking forward to the next installment.

Just posted an update!

Originally Posted by JoJayMom

So glad Morgan is enjoying her flight so far! BTW, she is such a cutie!!
for you!

Morgan is beautiful inside and out!

Originally Posted by DisneyKYFan

I am so glad you started your TR Cam. Like others I it already has smiles and tears. I look forward to reading the rest.

More smiles and tears to come!

Originally Posted by NanaTink

I'm so happy you started your TR, Cam and glad that the trip accomplished some healing for you and Luke. I look forward to reading about your trip, you've always captivated me with your writing, you do it so well.

Tell Luke that stopping in Disneyland on the way to Hawaii or the way back (both ways?) certainly breaks up the trip quite significantly. Especially if you do it on the way back, it's night when you leave Hawaii and you awaken in California and off to GC...sweet!

You and I think so much alike. I had mentioned that we could stop both ways to Luke. He is mulling it over.

[Dlandmom2]

Oh that's funny! I posted my last reply right when you posted your last update!

Good thing DME didn't hit that car! The driver was absolutely right...please make sure your brain is ON when you're at WDW! Cute pics of the three of you on board. I seem to recall Luke often looks pensive on the bus, doesn't he? Or am I mixing that up with other pictures you've posted of him in the past?

I just adore the pictures of Morgan looking around the lobby and the room! I probably looked the same on my first trip to WDW! And the room (or should I say home?!) looks awfully nice and comfy for your 12 day stay! I'd like to stay at the Boardwalk at some point...we've only stayed the 2 nights at Beach Club, but we just loved the proximity to Epcot and DHS!

[dwonderz]

Awesome view and room - with a ginormous bathroom !

Morgan looks so excited!!!

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by mommapants

Great report so far. How cool that Morgan got to visit the cockpit. Glad the goodie bags were a success. OK how on earth did Morgan's parents get her to the age of 11 without one visit to Burger King????? What - how did they dod that - I must know.

My sister June is an awesome cook; I love her cooking! And she is also very health conscious, so very little if any fast food for them.

Originally Posted by mandy1627

Cam, I'm so happy to see you've started your trip report! I know it will be different, it already is in just one installment, but I'm really looking forward to hearing about your moving and healing journey. I hope that among the tears there were plenty of smiles as well!

Morgan seems like such a sweetie, I imagine she helped keep things a little happier for you both. I'm so glad she enjoyed her first flight!

Thank you for sharing yourselves with us once again!

I like your description of our trip being moving and healing as that fits it very well.

Originally Posted by mcc0313

I can only imagine what a heartfelt journey this must have been for you and Luke, thank you so much for sharing this with us and I hope this trip while bittersweet also allowed for some healing. I am so glad that Morgan was able to join you, her smile is contagious and I am sure that it brought smiles to both you and Luke during some very hard times.

Loved all the firsts that Morgan is experiencing already, first BK and the plane ride. Glad everyone enjoyed their goodie bags!!

Morgan was a true blessing this trip!

Originally Posted by belle0517

Great start!

Originally Posted by honeybee723

I can only imagine how you must have been feeling at the beginning of this trip. So many emotions, so many questions of what's to come, so many memories around every turn. I was tearing up just reading about it, because as a mother, I could never imagine not having my child with me. It sounds like Morgan is getting the star treatment already, and for her very first flight, I'd say she did pretty good.

I'm still trying to get used to not having Stefanie with me. Very weird most days!

Originally Posted by benjiboo25

Signing in to save for later. Not in a place to cry now...

I totally understand.

[Coop]

Great room with a gorgeous view! We may have to put BW on our short list.

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by Belle0824

Great start, Cam. I love the title - it's perfect! Like so many others have said, it feels bittersweet to be able to read another Cam report, but I am anxiously awaiting all of Morgan's first experiences.
I do have to ask one thing about Morgan though... is she a shopper?? I love hearing about all of your discoveries while Disney shopping! Looking forward to reading more!

I was begin to despair that I'd never come up with an appropriate title. But this one does work! Morgan is not a shopper, so that was one of the ways she was different from Stefanie. It also caused me to spend a fair bit of time alone, but I also made some really good purchases that I will share along the way (That is if I find the USB cable for my camera. I seem to have misplaced in the great floor redo.)

Originally Posted by omd

I am so glad that you started your TR. I just have to remember not to read it before I leave for work so I don't have red eyes. This must have been such a difficult trip for you, but I am glad that Morgan had a good time. I look forward to your updates.

I don't think today's update will cause red eyes.

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

I just wanted to comment on the goodie bags again. My Mom has adopted the policy as well now. She's leaving on July 4 for San Diego and has picked up several red, white & blue items for the SW crew - headbands, sunglasses, etc. So Stefanie is spreading her pixie dust even father!

That is so awesome, Kelly! Stefanie can keep spreading pixie dust for ever!

Originally Posted by Disneyismylife

I'm happy to jump onboard for this TR, too. After reading your PTR and shedding tears, I look forward to sharing in your healing process at Disney. Thanks for taking us along.

You are so welcome!

Originally Posted by DrDolphin

Cam - just started reading your TR. I know this will be hard for me to read, but much harder for you to write. Remember we love you and Luke, and send lots of and virtual your way.

I realized while reading your post, Terri, that a part of my healing is reading of the support and love from my PP family. Thanks all of you for being here for me!

Originally Posted by DisneyLuv

So glad you started your TR! As another pp'er posted, not sure if "enjoy" is the right word to describe how I feel about following along on another one of your journeys, but I am sure I will learn something along the way as usual. I hope you experienced lots of Disney magic and that it was able to help somewhat with the healing process.

We had some special moments that I can't wait to share.

Originally Posted by kurtholley

Glad you started your TR Cam. There were lots of first time things for Morgan on this trip so far.

Will wait to comment on how we saw her till you get to that part of the day

Hopefully, I'll get that far this week.

Originally Posted by lazanya

So glad that Morgan enjoyed her first flight!
I have to be honest, I got emotional and teary eyed reading your first installment.

I felt the same way during the writing of it.

Originally Posted by Laurast

Glad to see that you have started your TR. I hope that writing it will help in the healing process. I can't even imagine how different the trip must have been.

It was indeed different!

Originally Posted by DisneyFanAnn

I think we will all be emotional as we go on this journey with you and Luke - thank you for sharing with us and allowing us to be there with you!

And thank all of you for following along and caring so much about Luke and me.

Originally Posted by mojjo

I'm glad you started your TR. I'm looking forwarding to reading it.

:thansk:

[kurtholley]

Great pics of the room. now we know what it looks like if we want to stay there on future trips

[luvnwdwgal]

Wonderful start Cam! Your room is awesome and I LOVE the teacup table lamp! Looking forward to your next update!

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by mickeycrazy

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your faith and perserverance is such an inspiration.

I'm glad Morgan's first flight went so well! She already sounds like a pro!

Continuing to pray for you and your family.

Faith is all I know. Sharing is a service.

Originally Posted by Marymouse2012

I haven't been a member on these boards for very long, but I wanted to tell you Cam that my thoughts & prayers are with you & Luke. Your PTR (June 2012) was the first one I read & I looked forward to all your updates--especially all the quotes from Stefanie! It's amazing how someone you've never met can make you care so much for them. Your special way of writing brought Stefanie's personality to life!

Shortly after I decided to become a member, your sorrow began and I have been amazed at yours & Luke's strength. With all you were going through you took the time to welcome me to the boards--unbelievable! Even though Stephanie is in Heaven now, her memory is with so many of us here. She will always be remembered with a smile. I look forward to reading this TR in honor of your precious daughter Stefanie. - Linda

I truly appreciate your prayers and support. Stefanie has inspired my writing since the day she was born. She is my special treasure. Stefanie taught me that welcoming people, caring for people was the best course.

Originally Posted by ariel14

Sending you hugs Cam! So happy to see you started your TR! I don't know where you find the strength but I admire you so much for it!

I appreciate the hugs. Most of the time I just feel weak, but by faith I can do so much more.

Originally Posted by kangelop

Cam, I hope that you were able to truly enjoy the trip. You have so many wonderful memories. Thank you for allowing us to tag along.

The trip was a good one. Thanks for tagging along!

Originally Posted by Nemo125

Yea!!!!! I'm so glad you have started you Trip Report!!! I love reading each of your updates - lots of details and it feels like I was there w/you. You are off to a great start and I'm glad Morgan enjoyed her 1st flight! Can't wait for more!

I'm so glad you like the details as I get teased a lot by family and friends for all the details.

Originally Posted by CatNipRules

Definitely signing on to read your trip report!

I love how Morgan asked if it was Hawaii that she was seeing. So cute! LOL!

My DS is going to be flying, for the first time that he can remember, and he's super excited.

I can't wait to read more of your trip report. I know that I'm going to need quite a few tissues and am eagerly looking forward to reading!

Hope your DS enjoys his first flight as much as Morgan did hers.

Originally Posted by bsblady01

more please

Already updated!

Originally Posted by davishomeschool

Cam, I'm so glad you started your TR. I can imagine how hard it will be to write it. I have loved reading your past reports and I hope this one will help you in your healing process.

You wrote that Morgan had never tried Burger King. Just wondering what prompted her parents to make that choice?

I have several good friends who eat all natural foods (no cans, boxes, packages, chemicals, etc.). I have always admired and aspired to be more like them; especially when my kids were young. But with 3 boys I had a very busy schedule and my kids probably thought that McDonalds was a food group. LOL

June, Morgan's mom and my sis, is very much in to healthy eating, so very little, if any, fast food.

Originally Posted by Chancho

So happy to see a new TR. We too will be starting a new family tradition of goodie bags for the flight crew. Thank you for inspiring so many of us. Looking forward to hearing more.

That is wonderful! Stefanie loved making others feel special and the goodie bags were one way to do that.

Originally Posted by JoanneS

I was pleased to find a new Cam trip report today. I'm sure it isn't easy for you, but I hope writing down your memories will help the healing process.

It already is!

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by disneynina

Cam, I was so glad to see that you have started your TR. I have mentioned before that I lost my beautiful daughter, Jaime (age 31) back on 12/28 and took 2 of my grandsons to WDW in February. I know from experience this was a hard trip for you & Luke but glad Morgan was there to add to your new adventures. It will never be the same, but yall will make new and exciting memories building on the wonderful times you had with Stefanie. My fondest memories with my children were made at WDW and those seem to get me thru on most days!

Funny how drinking Dr. Pepper reminds you of Stefanie. I still drink out of Jaime's cup and use the Disney coffee cup she gave me one year every morning. It's the little things that really get me thru.

God bless yall, you will continue to be my prayers.

Thinking of you and your loss, too! It's the little things that are getting me through, too. I carry Stefanie's license with me, and when I see her smiling face on it, I smile, too, through teary eyes.

Originally Posted by Pris

I've been checking daily and patiently awaiting this trip report. Thank you for taking us along on your journey as you honor Stephanie and introduce Morgan to the World.

You are welcome!

Originally Posted by DawnK

Geez...7 pages behind already!! I am so glad you are able to write this. I already had tears in my eyes and big smiles!! Morgan is so pretty!! I am looking forward to reading this TR.

Continued
and hugs and prayers as you and Luke continue to heal!!!

I know it's long already and I'm trying not to miss any of the responses.

Originally Posted by Tabitha34

So glad you started your TR. I'm looking forward to going on this journey with you, Luke and Morgan. I'm glad that you had a good flight and Morgan enjoyed it! Thanks for clearing up why she had never had BK. I was thinking it had to be something like that.

I'm so used to the no fast food thing that I forgot others wouldn't know!

Originally Posted by mousestruck

Cam, I've been waiting for you to start this TR. I know your heart is heavy - and so is mine - but hopefully this will help your healing. I am looking forward to hearing about your adventures with Morgan!

It is already helping me as I heal.

Originally Posted by JKnott17

Cam, I am so happy you've started this, I am looking forward to hearing all about your trip. I love Morgan's enthusiasm about her first plane ride!

Originally Posted by buzzspal2

Great start. I'm looking forward to what happens next.

More already posted.

Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata

I'm so glad you've started. As always, we are here for you, and I'm grateful you've taken us along for yet another adventure. This one is a little different, but still important.

I truly appreciate everyone who is here for me.

Originally Posted by abubbles77

Checking in. Just a reminder to myself, do NOT read this TR at work or without tissues.

Good reminders!

Originally Posted by rhinohunter

Just found this one. Open only the second day and alread at 8 pages. Got to mark it so I can get back. Just got the battery alarm so I have to find the charger. TTFN catch you on the 3rd when I will try to get caught up.

I was surprised myself at how long it was already.

Originally Posted by 2princessmom

I am so glad that I found this and you have begun your TR. Thank you so much for bringing us along in your healing journey. I have loved your reports and look forward to this one and now have a box Kleenex next to the computer.

I continue to lift up you and Luke as you continue to heal and I am glad that you were able to part of that in Disney.

I am glad that Morgan had a great flight and can't wait to hear moe of her adventures.

Smart move to keep the Kleenex close.

[kingfamily1129]

Great update! I love the pictures of your room and the view you all had I can't wait to read your next update. I stayed up later tonight so I could see if you would post tonight. I had mouth surgery today and i'm exhausted but your reports just draw me in and I can't wait to read what you write next!

[Cam22]

Originally Posted by Jessie092408

Cam, I am glad that you've started your TR, and I love the title you chose. Morgan sounds like such a sweetheart...Hawaii!! How adorable. I know this trip was a tough one for you, so thank you for sharing it with us. I will be following along with a box of tissues in hand.

You and I are alike in at least one respect: I always heal through my writing. Any time I have experienced any sort of loss or hardship, I write. I've been journaling since I was six. The difference is, I am shy most of the time about sharing what I have written, so I admire you for sharing on Facebook and PassPorter. for strength for you while writing this TR!

Jessie, I never used to share. In fact, my I keep my journals in my old toy box with a stack of very heavy boxes on top if, so that you'd have to work to read what is in them. (My dad updated the toy box for Stefanie and then she gave it back to me when she got too old for it.) But then I started writing TRs here and that began to change. When life became complicated this spring, I knew I need to depend on others so writing on Facebook connected me to the support and love I needed.

Originally Posted by mattnkatsmum

I'm excited to see you have started this trip report, Cam. I know it won't be easy to write. Your strength, courage and fortitude continue to amaze and inspire me.

I'm looking forward to reading about Morgan's reaction to the World.

, Karen. I was putting some of my scrapbooking stuff away on a new shelf that arrived today. I picked up a photo album from 2008, so Luke and I looked through it as it connected us to Stefanie again. In there was a picture of us in front of MK after we met on the monorail. So glad Stefanie got to meet you that once. She loved your British accent! Just like Mary Poppins.

Originally Posted by tinker_me_happy

That sounds like a great idea! I'm planning a trip for Sept 2013 but I don't want the long straight through flights from the east coast either. : I had been thinking San Diego, but I could do both!

San Diego sounds good, too. Now my brain is churning!

Originally Posted by Kenny

Yeah, yeah, yeah... butter him up with a trip to LA and Disneyland to get what you want!!... so that's how you women manipulate us...

The title is perfect!!

Thanks about the title!

Originally Posted by Kjschmidty

Joining in...glad you started this TR. i look forward to reading more.

Karla

Thanks for coming along!

Originally Posted by MGW

So glad you've started! Can't wait to read all about your trip.

Originally Posted by MikeL

Cam Something told me to check here while we enjoy a rare bit of down time here and work and your tr was the first thing i saw. SO HAPPY YOU ARE GOING BACK. Let the MAGIC find you. So happy to see a smile on Luke's Face Your grimace of "Oh no he has my camera !!!!" was pretty good too.

Glad you are following along!

Originally Posted by Mileese

joining in. I too have been patiently ithe beginning of your journey. Glad to hear that You, Luke and Morgan had a good flight. that always starts the trip off better i think ;0)
thank you for sharing your Journey.

You are welcome!

Originally Posted by Trinitys Nina

I agree!Lots of Pixie Dust for this Journey.

Melissa

Originally Posted by rlb38

Great start and great title. Looking forward to hearing all about this trip even though it won't always be easy.

Originally Posted by carters_mom

Great start, really looking forward to your trip report!